Let Him Go 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Let Him Go" is strikingly impressive, boasting a HEVC encoded image that truly elevates the film's visual storytelling. The color palette, driven by the film's era and rural setting, offers a rich yet subdued array of naturalistic tones. Key standout colors include the reds and turquoise of vintage automobiles, along with well-saturated hues such as Lane's vibrant orange flannel and the hunter green booths in the diner. The level of detail is particularly noteworthy; close-ups reveal every wrinkle, line, and stubble on Kevin Costner's face, and the flyaway hairs in Diane Lane's worried visage. Wide landscape shots are equally captivating, highlighting environmental particulars with breathtaking clarity and depth.

From a technical perspective, the transfer excels in delivering deep, inky blacks without crushing details in dimly lit scenes, such as barns and shops encountered on the characters' journey. Skin tones are universally well-rendered, maintaining healthy and realistic appearances across varying lighting conditions. While the film's naturalistic approach limits opportunities for vibrant, eye-catching visuals, the overall image quality is consistently high. Every shot is imbued with a sharpness and color balance that translates seamlessly from the 1080p disc to the 4K format. Though not the most visually aggressive presentation, "Let Him Go" benefits from the 4K upgrade in terms of refined details and captivating wide shots that enhance the viewing experience.

The Dolby Atmos audio track of the 4K UHD Blu Ray for "Let Him Go" stands out with its sophisticated yet immersive sound design. Music segments excel, featuring a sparse and melancholy score that's notably crisp and precise. Stringed instruments resonate with impressive clarity, and bass elements add essential depth, enhancing the auditory realism of scenes, particularly during sequences with thundering hoofbeats and rumbling engines. The surround channels adeptly create a lifelike atmosphere with ambient sounds such as birds twittering and dogs barking, effectively capturing the essence of the film's rural settings. Directionality is finely tuned, providing a fluid and accurate movement of sound objects across the audio landscape. Dialogue remains front and center, always clean and intelligible, perfectly balanced without ever overpowering the subtler elements of the track.

While the Dolby Atmos track elevates the audio experience with added ambiance over the Blu-ray’s DTS HD Master Audio, the upgrade feels nuanced rather than transformative. The center channel is robust, ensuring vocal clarity, while the surrounds are sparingly but effectively used to infuse scenes with naturalistic ambiance — from distant thunder and rain to birds chirping — contributing to the environmental authenticity. There are moments of sonic brilliance that cause the listener to take notice, but for the most part, the audio serves its purpose without drawing undue attention to itself. This restraint results in a more refined auditory experience, subtly enhancing the film’s overall impact.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Let Him Go" brings forward the supplemental features from its previous Blu-ray edition, offering insightful explorations into the film’s production. These extras delve into the emotional arcs of the characters, the period-specific production design, and Director/Writer Thomas Bezucha’s adaptation process. The included features provide personal insights from stars Diane Lane and Kevin Costner about their characters and their excitement about working together. Additionally, Bezucha's process in developing the story and direction is highlighted, revealing what makes him perfectly suited to shepherd this project.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of Let Him Go: Stars Diane Lane and Kevin Costner share personal insights into their characters and their collaboration.
• The Blackledges: Kevin Costner & Diane Lane: A look at the Blackledges' emotional journey, production design, and Thomas Bezucha’s adaptation process.
• Lighting the Way: Thomas Bezucha: Insights from Director/Writer Thomas Bezucha and discussions with the cast and crew on his directorial approach.

"Let Him Go" (2020) presents a gripping narrative and a striking visual experience in its 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Universal. The film stars Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as George and Margaret Blackledge, a couple driven by the loss of their son to seek out their grandson, who now lives with his mother and her abusive new husband, Donnie Weboy. Set against the expanse of Montana in the 1960s, the movie is an emotional thriller, presented in an impressive 2160p 2:39:1 video format, which enhances the vast landscapes and intimate moments alike. The Dolby Atmos audio track supports the atmospheric tension that permeates the film, ensuring immersive soundscapes that heighten the narrative's drama.

The film benefits from tightly paced direction and a stellar cast, especially Lesley Manville, whose portrayal of Blanche Weboy adds a disturbing yet compelling layer to the story. Lane and Costner deliver nuanced performances that anchor the film’s emotional core. Their journey to locate their grandson amid mounting tension with the Weboy family is expertly crafted, with scenes like a dinner confrontation vividly establishing family dynamics and escalating conflict. The build-up of suspense is effectively maintained, making the viewing experience both thrilling and emotionally charged.

This adaptation of Larry Watson's novel is further enhanced by its technical presentation. The crisp detail and vibrant colors of the 4K UHD format bring the stark beauty of Montana to life. While special features may be sparse, the inclusion of a Blu-ray and Digital Code adds value to this edition. "Let Him Go" stands as a well-executed film both narratively and technically, making it a must-watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.

"Let Him Go" in 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a deeply engrossing experience, perfectly capturing the film's haunting and tension-filled atmosphere. This adaptation superbly utilizes its visual and auditory elements to heighten the dark narrative. The 4K transfer is strikingly sharp, revealing intricate details and maintaining clarity throughout the film’s various lighting settings. The Dolby Atmos track further elevates the experience, delivering an immersive soundscape that complements the film’s somber tone.

Kevin Costner's steadfast performance provides strong support, but it is Diane Lane who truly shines. Her portrayal ranges from heart-wrenching sorrow to fierce determination, anchoring the emotional core of the story. The score, combined with the rather drab color palette, subtly underscores the pervading sense of desperation and hopelessness. This visual and auditory alignment significantly enriches the viewing experience, making it one of 2020’s standout films.

For both new audiences and existing fans upgrading from Blu-ray, "Let Him Go" in 4K UHD is a must-have. The enhancements in image quality and audio fidelity make this edition a substantial improvement over previous releases. With its expertly executed blend of western and drama elements, bolstered by powerful performances and impeccable technical production, this release comes highly recommended.